Jay Clayton, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York | Department of Justice
Two individuals from Brooklyn, Ahuva Katzin and Yitzchok Sklar (also known as Isak Sklar), have been indicted on charges of conspiracy to distribute narcotics resulting in death. The indictment follows the fentanyl poisoning death of Sklar’s four-year-old child in Brooklyn on March 4, 2025. The announcement was made by Jay Clayton, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, along with Christopher Roberts, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA New York Task Force Division, and Jessica S. Tisch, Commissioner of the NYPD.
Katzin and Sklar were arrested on February 3, 2026. Sklar is scheduled to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Gabriel W. Gorenstein, while Katzin will be presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robyn F. Tarnofsky. The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Rochon.
“As alleged, Ahuva Katzin and Yitzchok Sklar sold drugs that caused the tragic death of Sklar’s own child,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “Instead of stopping, they allegedly continued to distribute fentanyl and other dangerous drugs across New York. There are no good outcomes for deadly fentanyl in and around our city, and New Yorkers want it gone. This Office will hold accountable those who distribute poison in our communities and will seek justice for the victims of these devastating crimes.”
Christopher Roberts added: “Once again, we are forced to confront the reckless disregard for human life shown by those who allegedly traffic fentanyl and other illicit narcotics... This case reminds us of the danger that fentanyl presents, especially when our most vulnerable, our children, are exposed to it. A four-year-old’s home is the last place fentanyl should ever be... we will continue to work alongside our law enforcement partners to ensure justice is delivered.”
NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch stated: “Ahuva Katzin and Yitzchok Sklar have been indicted for their roles in a drug distribution conspiracy that led to the heartbreaking death of a four-year-old... This case shows the NYPD’s continued commitment to getting deadly drugs out of our communities and going after the individuals who put our families—and their own—in harm’s way... I would like to thank our NYPD investigators and our partners at the Drug Enforcement Agency and at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their work on this case and ensuring accountability for this devastating loss.”
According to court documents cited in public filings and proceedings, between 2023 and 2025 Katzin and Sklar allegedly conspired to distribute fentanyl, para-fluorofentanyl, heroin, and methamphetamine throughout New York City.
On March 4, 2025—the day of the child’s death—Sklar reportedly called emergency services about his son’s medical emergency but then attempted to hide narcotics from authorities. Surveillance footage showed him leaving his child alone while carrying a black bag out of their apartment; he returned without it moments later. The bag was recovered from a nearby rental car used by Sklar; inside were various drugs including fentanyl.
Afterward, authorities allege that both defendants continued distributing illegal substances throughout New York.
Katzin (age 33) and Sklar (age 34) each face charges carrying a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years up to life imprisonment if convicted; sentencing decisions rest with a judge.
Jay Clayton commended both federal agencies involved as well as local law enforcement for their investigative efforts.
The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Meredith Foster and Henry Ross from the Narcotics Unit.
It is noted that all details within this report reflect allegations only; both defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
